Travel Index Reveals the Best Cities Around the World For Nature Lovers

Nature can be found in every corner of the globe, from gorgeous landscapes to picturesque parks. This leads to the question: Which city offers the best escape for nature lovers?

To explore this further, Riviera Travel created a Nature Index, ranking cities in terms of their natural beauty. We analysed various factors, such as the number of parks, gardens, outdoor activities, and confirmed species of animal or plant.

So, without further ado, let’s reveal the top ten…

Nature Index

To develop our index and find the best destinations for nature lovers, we evaluated several key factors worldwide, including the number of parks, gardens and outdoor activities on TripAdvisor. We also analysed the number of confirmed plants or animal species in each city.
Each destination was then scored individually on each factor and given a total score out of 60. The locations were then ranked from 1-10.

1. Barcelona, Spain

In first place, ranking as the best destination for nature lovers is Barcelona. The Spanish city scored a remarkable 52 out of 60 points, making it a go-to location for admirers of the natural world. The city has a bit of everything, including sunny beaches, stunning landscapes and the Collserola Mountain Range.
Overall, Barcelona is home to a whopping 6,685 confirmed species of animals and plants while also offering 131 parks and gardens to choose from, perfect for a stroll alongside nature!
Additionally, with 316 outdoor activities to indulge in, travellers are clearly spoilt for choice. Popular activities include guided tours of Park Guell and trips to Barcelona’s Old Town.
 

2. Cape Town, South Africa

According to our index, Cape Town is the second-best location in the world for a trip surrounded by nature, scoring 48 points out of 60. The city’s combination of forests, beaches, gardens and mountains makes it an all-encompassing trip of natural beauty.
In total, Cape Town has 6,958 confirmed animal and plant species, the most out of all cities analysed. To anyone planning a visit to this destination, keep an eye out for the African penguin and Cape sugarbird - two animals native to Cape Town.
There are also 28 parks and gardens, dotted throughout the city, where travellers can take part in an incredible 960 outdoor activities during their visit.
 

3. London, United Kingdom

While many think of London as a bustling city, it’s also a great destination for nature lovers, scoring 45 out of 60 points. Did you know, 49% of London is made up of green space? It’s also home to the iconic River Thames, which runs through the city.
There are 312 parks and gardens throughout London, including well-known locations such as Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Hampstead Heath. Popular outdoor activities include the London Zoo, boat trips, and walking tours, with 145 activities to choose from.
London is also home to 5,889 confirmed plant and animal species. Examples of species native to the city include eastern gray squirrels, English oak trees and sycamore maple trees.
 

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Scoring 43 out of 60 points, Prague ranks as the fourth-best city for nature lovers. The Czech capital city offers a mixture of parks, gardens and wildlife, making it suitable for anyone looking to be around nature on their next holiday.
The vibrant city boasts an incredible 4,189 different plant and animal species, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Native animals in the Czech Republic include European robins, hares and Eurasian magpies.
Furthermore, with 204 outdoor activities, there’s always something to keep visitors occupied. Popular choices include electric trike tours of the city and trips to Prague Zoo.
 

5. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the second Spanish city to feature in this ranking, coming in fifth place. Overall, the destination scored 40 points out of 60. Tree-lined streets are the norm in Madrid, with Paseo del Prado a great example of how the city has combined nature with practicality.
There are also 97 parks and gardens throughout the city, including Parque del Oeste, Casa de Campo and Real Jardin Botanico - three beautiful locations that are well worth a visit!
Spanish ibex, Cantabrian brown bears and Iberian lynx are just some of the 5,921 species found in Madrid. All three are native to the city.
 

6. Paris, France

Known as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is also a wonderful choice for nature lovers, scoring 40 out of 60 points. The destination is home to Bois de Vincennes, the city’s largest green space that includes four lakes, a zoo and a botanical garden - what’s not to love about that?
While visiting Paris, travellers should make use of the 113 outdoor activities to choose from. Disneyland, river cruises and guided tours of the iconic location are all go-to picks for travellers.
Paris also offers 314 parks and gardens, the most in this ranking, and is home to 2,976 animal and plant species.
 

7. Istanbul, Turkey

Next, the Turkish capital city of Istanbul placed joint-fifth in the rankings, also scoring 40 points out of a possible 60. Intriguingly, the destination is home to the Bosphorus, a 19-mile strait that splits Asia and Europe while running through Istanbul.
With 94 parks and gardens combined with 187 outdoor activities, there’s plenty of reason to enjoy the outdoors while journeying through the city. Yildiz Park and Gulhane Park are two incredibly popular options.
In terms of species, Istanbul has 2,900 different plants and animals to discover. Native examples include olive trees, Judas trees and hooded crows.
 

8. Vancouver, Canada

The second non-European destination to feature in this ranking is Vancouver, with the Canadian city ranking eighth with 39 out of 60 points. The city is situated on the Pacific Highway, a major migration route used by birds, which makes Vancouver a fantastic spot for bird-watching. The city prioritises green spaces, with 80 parks and gardens throughout the destination. With 157 outdoor activities, there are plenty of chances to explore Canada's natural beauty.
Overall, Vancouver has 3,036 species of plant or animal, including a range of native plants such as vine maples, shallons, and Nootka roses.
 

9. Berlin, Germany

Nearing the end of the ranking, the German capital, Berlin, ranks in ninth position with a score of 36 out of 60 points. Home to green spaces, forests and lakes, this city offers various examples of its natural beauty, making it perfect for lovers of all things nature.
Berlin has a whopping 156 parks and gardens—the third-most of all cities examined—including Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, two extremely popular green spaces. Additionally, there are 38 outdoor activities available.
Animal and plant lovers should keep an eye out while visiting Berlin, with 5,493 species to marvel at while exploring the city. 
 

10. Madeira, Portugal

Finally, rounding off the top ten and scoring 36 out of 60 points is Madeira. Amazingly, the island has preserved its green spaces, including the 20 million-year-old subtropical rainforest, Laurisilva Forest.
The island is home to 30 parks and gardens, but natural beauty is all around you in this unique destination. Stunning coastlines are never far away, and there are also 463 outdoor activities to keep visitors entertained.
With 2,280 animal and plant species, this destination is a haven for nature lovers, offering plenty of wildlife to discover. 
 

Methodology

The Nature Index, created by Riviera Travel, assesses a range of factors to highlight the best destinations around the world for lovers of natural beauty.
We examined three key areas: the number of parks and gardens, outdoor activities, and the number of confirmed animal and plant species.
Each destination was then given a score out of 60 and ranked in accordance with the other findings. 
Parks, gardens and outdoor activity data were sourced from TripAdvisor. The number of confirmed species was sourced from iNaturalist.